Observation Device With A Distance Meter

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a binocular observation device, in particular a field glass, with two visual optical paths and with a laser distance meter with a laser transmitter and a laser receiver and with an opto-electronic display element. A part of an optical path of the laser transmitter is integrated in a first visual optical path and a part of an optical path of the laser receiver is also integrated in the first visual optical path.

The invention relates to a binocular observation device, in particular afield glass or a magnifier device, with a laser distance meterincorporating the features set out in the introductory parts of claims1-4, 27, 28, and a method for observing and measuring the distance of aremote object incorporating the features outlined in the introductoryparts of claims 29-31.

Binocular field glasses with a laser distance meter are already known,in which a functional element of the laser distance meter is alsointegrated in one of the two visual optical paths. Document DE 10 2004054 182 B4 describes a system whereby the lens-side optical path of oneof the two observation optical paths of the field glasses simultaneouslyalso constitutes a part of the optical path of the laser receiver, andthe laser radiation reflected from the object is deflected to the laserreceiver or detector with the aid of an optical splitter. A structurallyseparate optical path is provided for the laser transmitter, on theother hand, which is disposed in the region of the joint pin of thefield glasses and is oriented parallel with the observation axes of thevisual optical paths. A collimation lens is provided in front of thelaser transmitter at the light outlet end for this purpose. Thedisadvantage of this system is that when taking distance measurementsover a shorter distance, measuring variances can occur due to parallaxerror.

Patent specification U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,951 B2 discloses a fieldoptical device with a laser distance meter by means of which a remoteobject can be observed by a visual optical path. In this instance, alaser beam is directed into the visual optical path between the eye ofthe observer and user of the visual optical path and a focusing devicefor the visual optical path, and the laser beam reflected by the objectis directed via an optical device in front of the user's eye to a laserreceiver for evaluation purposes. The disadvantage of this approach isthat it is necessary to provide a rotating plate driven by a motor inorder to separate the outgoing laser beam and the reflected laser beam.

Other known magnifier devices have separate optical paths both for thevisual beam and for the laser beam and the reflected laser beam, whichare directed onto the remote object via separate optical devices.

The laser beam is focused both for the outgoing laser beam and for thelaser beam reflected by the object via a separate focusing device ineach case, and these are drivingly connected to the device operated bythe user to focus the visual optical path. Due to the complex design, alarge number of mechanical and optical components are needed.

Other magnifier devices are known from DE 197 27 988 A1 as well as DE 6918 690 U, DE 295 18 708 U1, DE 101 22 936 A1 and DE 27 14 412 A1, whichalso describe a range of different designs of laser distance meters inconjunction with visual optical paths, but these do not enable an exactmeasurement result to be obtained due to the complex design of thesystem used to direct the beam.

The objective of the invention is to improve a binocular observationdevice or magnifier device with a laser distance meter which will enablegreater accuracy and higher reliability to be obtained with respect tothe relative orientation of the optical axes of the optical paths of thelaser transmitter and laser receiver with respect to one another and tothe optical axis of the visual optical paths. Another, preferred,independent objective of the invention is to increase the efficiency ofthe distance measurement with respect to the laser power needed. Yetanother objective of the invention is to propose a method of observingand measuring the distance of a remote object which offers greater userfriendliness.

The objective is achieved by the invention on the basis of a device ofthe type mentioned above whereby the regions of the deflection arelocated on a single optical component.

The advantage of this approach is that the emitted measuring beam forascertaining the distance between the observation device and a remoteobject is oriented exactly on the visual optical path. This reduces thecomplexity of the optical elements, thereby reducing the weight of theobservation devices. The low weight and compact design using fewmechanical components results in a small design, especially forbinocular observation devices—also referred to as field glasses such asused for hunting, various hobbies, in maritime transport and such like.For viewing purposes, these field glasses are usually held in the user'shand and it is therefore of advantage to make them to a compact design.Furthermore, a low weight permits usage over a significantly longerperiod but above all permits longer, precise holding without shaking inorder to sight the object, and this makes them much better for theirintended purpose.

However, the objective is also independently achieved due to the factthat the focusing device for focusing the optical path of the lasertransmitter and the visual optical path is disposed between the opticalcomponent for deflecting the optical path of the laser transmitter andthe lens. The advantage of this solution is that the disposition of thefocusing device not only enables the visual optical path to be focused,it also enables the optical path of the laser transmitter to be focusedsimultaneously without adding to the complexity.

The objective of the invention is achieved by another independentsolution due to the fact that a part of an optical path of the laserreceiver is also integrated in the first visual optical path. Due to thefact that the returning measuring beam reflected back by the object isscreened out of the first visual optical path, there is no need toprovide separate optical elements in the magnifier device, such as alens for example. This results in a considerable saving on weight and adesign with small external dimensions.

Also of advantage is another independent solution whereby a part of anoptical path of the laser receiver is also focused using the focusingdevice for the visual optical path. This enables the measurement resultto be improved because returning measuring beams reflected by the objectare also bundled and can be thus directed to the evaluation units ormeasurement signal receivers.

Another significant saving on weight and above all a simplified designof the optical path can be achieved if, in order to integrate theoptical path of the laser transmitter and the optical path of the laserreceiver in the first visual optical path, optical components areprovided to merge the optical paths of the laser transmitter and laserreceiver.

Precision with respect to the laser beam paths of both the emitted andreflected laser beam is obtained if regions of the merger of the opticalpaths of the laser transmitter and/or laser receiver are located on asingle optical component.

In one advantageous embodiment, the regions of the merger of the opticalpaths of the laser transmitter and/or laser receiver are located on asingle surface of the one optical component, for example a roof prism.This means that it is not necessary to provide separate components forthe emitted and reflected laser beam.

A particularly advantageous, short design can be achieved for manuallyoperated and used devices, i.e. with regard to the length in thedirection of the visual optical paths, if the region of the merger isdisposed between an observer-side focal point of the lens and thefocusing device or lens.

The volume of such a magnifier device can be reduced, in particular thediameter of the housing or tubes, if at least a part of an optical pathof the display optics or the display element is integrated in one of thetwo visual optical paths.

Another design is of advantage in which a control and evaluation deviceis connected to at least one display element to display a sight markand/or a measurement value of the laser distance meter in at least oneof the two visual optical paths. This enables a reduction in thecomponents needed for the different displays.

On the basis of another embodiment of the invention, a remotetransmission means co-operates with a display element and/or the controland evaluation device, in particular to permit a wireless transmissionfor a distance measured by the laser distance meter and/or at least oneitem of data such as a value of the focus setting, a magnificationfactor, a brightness or temperature value.

This duly enables data to be transmitted to users of similar oridentical magnifying devices and enables a simple visual and graphicpresentation on co-operating displays and computers for evaluationpurposes or for storage. Furthermore, if hunting or observing, adesignated target can be easily documented and sighting telescopesadjusted or shooting positions determined on other systems.

A simple way of checking and passing data on to persons other than theuser of the magnifier device is possible if another display element isprovided on the external face of the observation device.

Data to be stored can advantageously be subjected to further processingdue to the fact that the control and evaluation device is wirelesslylinked via remote transmission means to an external display that isindependent of the observation device.

Exact detection and recognition of the displayed data or information canbe achieved if the display element contains opto-electrical components,in particular LED or LCD displays with individual activation ofindividual pixels for generating images. With this embodiment, it isalso possible to display on a display element a whole range of differentdata signals, characters, sight marks or symbols needed by the user, ifdesirable one immediately after the other and/or on the basis of acombination.

Even more exact focusing of the visual optical paths on the object canbe achieved if a displacement motor is connected to the focusing device.This enables the focusing device to track the actual, automaticallydetermined distance without the user having to undertake a manualadjustment.

In this respect, it is of advantage if the control and evaluation unitis connected to the displacement motor because this enables fullyautomatic control or tracking of the focusing device to be achieved.

To permit universal use of the magnifier device, especially in the caseof field glasses which have two visual optical paths for both eyes of auser extending mutually parallel at a distance, an embodiment hasprovided to be of practical advantage where the two observation partsare displaceably connected to one another with respect to their relativeposition via two connecting mechanisms spaced apart from one another inthe direction of the optical path, e.g. an articulated bridge or atelescopic guide. This makes it possible to adapt quickly to differenteye distances without changes and preferably also without changing thefocus setting.

Maintaining the accuracy of the visual observation and the distancemeasurement is also made easier due to the fact that the two observationparts are mutually connected so that they can be displaced via twoconnecting mechanisms disposed at a distance apart from one another inthe direction of the optical path along the observation direction withtwo separate joint axes, between which a gap is disposed, which islaterally bounded by the observation parts.

An individual adjustment to the eye position of different people can beundertaken due to the fact that the connecting element is connected toeach of the two observation parts at its two end regions facing the twoobservation parts by means of a joint, the pivot axes of which extendapproximately parallel with the longitudinal axes of the two observationparts. Stable and precise connections enable the visual optical pathsand the optical paths of the distance measuring device to be keptparallel to a large extent if one or more articulated bridges areprovided as the connecting element.

However, another embodiment is of advantage whereby a keel-type housingextension is provided on at least one of the observation parts becausethis enables electronic components such as power devices and, undercertain circumstances, computer devices as well as display elements tobe disposed outside of the tubes needed for the visual optical paths.

The fact that the housing extension has an inner housing region fordevice electronics, in particular for the control and evaluation unit,results in a high degree of multi-functionality and the resultantembodiment lends itself to a plurality of variants which can bespecifically adapted to different applications.

In the case of another embodiment proposed by the invention, oneobservation part is provided as an independent magnifier device. This isof advantage because parts of a magnifier device, in particular a fieldglass with two observation parts, can be made as individual parts forseparate applications, for example for use with weapons.

Also of advantage is another embodiment in which the optical componentor components for deflecting the optical path of the laser transmitterand/or of the laser receiver are formed by elements of a reversingsystem. This enables multiple use of the optical element for differentbeam guides of the optical path and also the measuring beam paths,thereby significantly simplifying the optical system, in addition towhich the number of optical elements needed is reduced. Nevertheless, inspite of the reduced number of optical elements, it is still possible toobtain an optical device offering the same high precision for a lowweight.

A compact construction can be achieved due to the fact that the regionsof the deflections disposed in one and the same roof prism are providedwith optical components, and it is of advantage if the reversing systemis a prism system.

The objective of the invention can also be achieved independently on thebasis of an embodiment of a binocular observation device of the typeoutlined above if the third optical path incorporates a focusing devicewhich is coupled so as to co-operate with a focusing device of the twovisual optical paths in order to focus on a remote object. A devicebased on this design can be used both in the short and the long range.

Since the optics for the outgoing and reflected laser beam need to be ofa special design but the visual optical paths can be used for one of thetwo beams, namely either the outgoing laser beam or the reflected laserbeam, a good compromise can be obtained between optical adaptation,weight and a simple design.

An extremely advantageous compact design can be achieved if the thirdoptical path is provided with a transmitter focusing device, which iscoupled with a focusing device of the two visual optical paths forfocusing the optical paths and laser transmitter simultaneously, and apart of an optical path of the laser transmitter or of the laserreceiver is integrated in one of the visual optical paths.

The objective of the invention is also individually achieved by means ofa magnifier device where the regions of the deflection are located on asingle optical component. This results in a design of a very low weightrequiring few optical components in the smallest space.

The objective is also achieved by the invention on the basis of a methodof observing and measuring the distance of an object. This method ischaracterized by the fact that the object is sighted by means of thevisual optical path and the measuring operation is initiated by laserpulse emitted by the laser transmitter, and a time delay is determined,after which a value for the distance to the remote object is calculatedand displayed by a control and evaluation device, and a focus setting isset by adjusting a focusing device on the basis of the value for thedistance.

Based on another combination of features enabling the objective to beachieved independently, the object is sighted by means of the visualoptical paths, and the measuring operation is initiated buy a laserpulse emitted by the laser transmitter across the laser beam path atleast partially integrated in the visual optical path, and a time delayis determined, after which a value for the distance to the remote objectis calculated and displayed by a control and evaluation device, and thetwo visual optical paths and laser beam path are focused on the basis ofthe value for the distance by an adjustment made by the focusing device.The advantage of this method is that the focusing device determines theexact distance on the basis of the measured distance, for example on thebasis of a rough preliminary adjustment, after which the visual opticalpaths and for example the laser beam path of the emitted or reflectedlaser radiation can be focused. This significantly increases theaccuracy and speed of the focusing operation such as needed whenhunting, especially if it is necessary to observe moving objects. Aconstantly sharp image of the object can therefore be guaranteed, evenwhilst it is moving.

Other advantageous features enable the focus to be setsemi-automatically or automatically or on the basis of a rough manualadjustment, and the display takes place after a rough manual adjustmentto enable precise focusing, even in poor viewing conditions.

It is also of advantage if the method steps involved in initiating ameasuring operation, calculating a value for the distance of the remoteobject and focusing the focusing device on the basis thereof are runrepeatedly one after the other. This ensures continuous focusing even ifthe sighted object is moving.

To this end, it is also of advantage if the method steps for observing amoved object are continuously repeated.

The measurement results can be optimized due to the fact that the laserpower of the laser transmitters is adapted and/or optimized via thecontrol and evaluation device as a function of the measured distancebetween the laser transmitter and object.

To provide a clearer understanding, the invention will be explained inmore detail below with reference to the drawings.

These provide schematically simplified diagrams as follows:

FIG. 1 is an optical diagram of a field glass with an integrateddistance meter;

FIG. 2 shows a detail of the first observation part illustrated in FIG.1 on a larger scale;

FIG. 3 is a section through the transmitter optical system and thereceiver optical system based on FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an image of the visual field which can be observed throughthe ocular;

FIG. 5 shows an image of the visual field which can be observed throughthe ocular with several measurement ranges;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of another embodiment of a binocularobservation device;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of another embodiment of an observationdevice with a third optical path;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the observation device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows an observation device 1 with an alternative embodiment ofthe eye width adjustment;

FIG. 10 shows an example of another embodiment of an observation deviceillustrated in FIG. 9 based on a modular design.

Firstly, it should be pointed out that the same parts described in thedifferent embodiments are denoted by the same reference numbers and thesame component names and the disclosures made throughout the descriptioncan be transposed in terms of meaning to same parts bearing the samereference numbers or same component names. Furthermore, the positionschosen for the purposes of the description, such as top, bottom, side,etc., relate to the drawing specifically being described and can betransposed in terms of meaning to a new position when another positionis being described. Individual features or combinations of features fromthe different embodiments illustrated and described may be construed asindependent inventive solutions or solutions proposed by the inventionin their own right.

All the figures relating to ranges of values in the description shouldbe construed as meaning that they include any and all part-ranges, inwhich case, for example, the range of 1 to 10 should be understood asincluding all part-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 to theupper limit of 10, i.e. all part-ranges starting with a lower limit of 1or more and ending with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10.

FIG. 1 is an optical diagram of an observation device 1, in particular afield glass with an integrated laser distance meter 2.

The observation device 1 comprises a first observation part 3 and asecond observation part 4, each of which constitutes a magnifier device.In terms of their optical components, the two observation parts 3, 4 areof an identical design and comprise firstly a lens 5 and an ocular 6 formagnifying an observed object. On the basis of the embodimentillustrated as an example, focusing takes place by means of a focusingdevice 7, which is preferably provided in the form of a lens. In orderto set up and present the observed object on the correct side, areversing system 8 is disposed between the focusing device 7 and theocular 6. In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, thereversing system 8 is provided in the form of a prism system comprisinga roof prism 9 and a deviation prism 10.

Said optical components therefore define a first visual optical path 11of the first observation part 3 and a second visual optical path 12 ofthe second observation part 4. To preserve clarity, the optical paths 11and 12 are illustrated on a simplified basis and are symbolized by thecorresponding main beams or the corresponding optical axes of theobservation parts 3 and 4.

In principle, it should be pointed out in this respect that throughoutthe entire description, where mention is made of optical paths, thisshould be understood as meaning a bundle of beams, in other words aso-called homocentric beam bundle.

In order to take the distance measurement, the first observation part 3also has a transmitting optical system 13 with a laser transmitter 14and transmitter optics 15. The laser transmitter 14 is integrated in thefirst observation part 3 so that a part of an optical path 16 of thelaser transmitter 14 is deflected into the first visual optical path 11.In order to deflect the optical path 16 of the laser transmitter 14,optical components are provided in the first observation part 3, whichin the embodiment are a deviation prism 17 and a splitter prism 18. Tothis end, the splitter prism 18 is disposed on the face 19 of thedeviation prism 10 lying opposite the roof prism 9 or on the face 19 ofthe roof prism 10 connected to it. The face 19 constitutes a beamsplitter because it is provided with a partially permeable coating. As aresult of this coating of the face 19, the visual optical path 11 isreflected on it, whereas the light of the laser transmitter 14 is notreflected and passes through the face 19 unobstructed. The point wherethe optical path 16 of the laser transmitters 14 merges with the firstvisual optical path 11 is therefore disposed on the face 19 of thedeviation prism 10 and splitter prism 18. To this end, the direction ofthe optical path 16 of the laser transmitter and the direction of thefirst visual optical path 11 following its lens-side course areidentically directed in the region and interior of the deviation prism10. Since the optical path 16 of the laser transmitter 14 also passesthrough the focusing device 7 and lens 5 on its way to the object, thelaser transmitter 14 and the optical path 16 of the laser transmittercan be focused on the object and in the object plane.

Different embodiments may be used for the beam splitter disposed in theface 19. If using a coating that is partially transparent as a functionof wavelength, it must be adapted to the wavelength of the laser lightof the laser transmitter 14 used. The coating has a transmissioncharacteristic based on wavelength, which exhibits a very high value ofthe transmission coefficient in only a very narrow wavelength range, andthis very narrow wavelength range corresponds to the wavelength of thelaser radiation of the laser transmitter 14 used. The laser radiationused may be both in the visible wavelength range and in a non-visiblewavelength range. However, it is preferable to use a laser transmitter14 which transmits in the infrared range because this avoids anydetrimental effect on visual observation. For example, adaptation of theobserver's eye could be detrimentally affected by scattered light fromthe laser transmitter 14 at dusk. To cause a split in the beam, thepolarization of the laser light could be used as an alternative. Anotheralternative option for a beam splitter is that of a spatial division, inwhich case a metallic mirror is used for only a part-region of thespatial angle of an optical path or a beam bundle, as will be explainedlater on in the description with reference to FIG. 3.

Once the laser light has been reflected on a remote object, reflectedlaser beams pass jointly through the first visual optical path 11 backinto the observation device 1. Due to the partially transparent coatingof the face 19 between the deviation prism 10 and the splitter prism 18,an optical path 20 of the laser receiver is split from the first visualoptical path 11 at this face 19. In order to detect or measure thereflected laser radiation, a receiver 21 is provided and to this end,the laser light is directed through a receiving optical system 22 whichin this embodiment comprises the splitter prism 18 and a receiver prism23. Since the first visual optical path 11 and the optical path 20 ofthe laser receiver are merged and split at the face 19 between thedeviation prism 10 and splitter prism 18, a part of the optical path 20of the laser receiver is also integrated in the first visual opticalpath 11. In this observation device 1 with a laser distance meter 2,therefore, optical components are provided as a means of integrating theoptical path 16 of the laser transmitter 14 and the optical path 20 ofthe laser receiver 21 in the first visual optical path 11, in which amerger takes place between the first visual optical path 11 and theoptical path 16 of the laser transmitters 14 or the optical path 20 ofthe laser receiver 21. Based on the embodiment described as an examplehere, the region of the merger is located on a single optical component,namely the face 19 of the deviation prism 10. The introduction of thelaser radiation of the laser transmitter 14 as well as splitting of thereflected laser radiation from the first visual optical path 11therefore take place on the single face 19.

As proposed by the invention, therefore, the region of the merger, i.e.the joining or splitting of the optical paths 16, 20 of the lasertransmitter 14 or laser receiver 21 on the one hand and of the visualbeam path 11 on the other hand, is disposed between the observer-sidefocal point of the lens 5 and the focusing device 7 or lens 5. In orderto project between the remote object on the one hand and the image ofthe object generated on the observer side on the other hand, and inorder to project the laser transmitter 14 and laser receiver 21 onto theremote object, the same disposition of the optical components of thelens 5 and the focusing device 7 is decisive. The particular advantageof this spatial disposition of said optical components with respect toone another is that only one change to the setting of a single opticalcomponent is needed, namely the focusing device 7, to enable both thefirst visual optical path 11 to be focused and the optical path 16 ofthe laser transmitter 14 and the beam path 20 of the laser receiver 21.As a result, the radiation reflected back from the remote object can beused for the distance measurement for every distance setting resultingin a high degree of efficiency.

The distance is measured in a manner known per se, based on theprinciple of measuring the time delay of a laser pulse or a sequence oflaser pulses emitted by the laser transmitter 14 and reflected back froman object. The distance of the sighted object is then calculated fromthe ratio of the time difference between emission of a laser pulse andreception of the reflected laser light by reference to the speed oflight. The instant at which the reflected laser signal is received isdetected by the receiver 21. A control and evaluation unit 24 isprovided as a means of computing and controlling the functions of theobservation device 1. The values for the distance finally calculated inthe control unit 24 can be presented for the observer in the visualfield because a display element 25 with cooperating display optics 26 isprovided in one of the two observation parts 3, 4. The display optics 26in this example of an embodiment are disposed in the second observationpart 4 so that the optical path 27 of the display optics 26 isintegrated in the ocular-end part of the second visual optical path 12.The region of the merger of the optical path 27 of the display optics 26into the second visual optical path 12 is located on a partiallyreflecting surface of a prism as described above in connection with thereversing system 8 of the first observation part 3.

Naturally, it would also be possible to display the calculated valuesfor the distance or sight mark 28 in both or optionally in only one ofthe two observation parts 3, 4. In addition, it is also advantageouslypossible to provide a display on the outside of the observation device1, on which the measured distance can be continuously or intermittentlydisplayed and prompted by the user.

Another option is to set up a transmission via remote transmission means41, in particular via wireless remote transmission means 41, for exampleby radio or infrared, to transmit the measured distance and other data,such as the selected focus setting and/or a magnification factor and/orbrightness or temperature values, to different parts of the observationdevice 1 or separate display and/or evaluation devices. However, it isalso of practical advantage to store these in the observation device 1or store and link them to one another for different evaluations, andpresent them when prompted on a display device 42 mounted on theexternal face of the observation device 1, for example.

Another option is to transmit this data via these transmission means toan external display element, which may advantageously be providedindependently of the observation device 1. Above all, it is of practicaladvantage to transmit this data to a sighting telescope of a weapon orother systems for monitoring and controlling devices which require suchdata pertaining to distance.

In order to make it easier to sight an object to be observed and towhich the distance has to be measured, a sight mark 28 is also providedin the first observation part 3. The sight mark 28 or an optical path 29of the sight mark 28 is transferred via sight mark optics 30 in theocular-end part of the first visual optical path 11 provided for thispurpose. The region of the merger of the optical path 29 of the sightmark 28 is therefore also disposed on the face 19 lying between thedeviation prism 10 and splitter prism 18.

On the basis of an alternative embodiment, it is also possible tointegrate the optical path 27 of the display element 25 in the firstobservation part 3 of the observation device 1 in addition to theoptical path 29 of the sight mark 28. In this respect, it would also beof advantage to use the display element 25 itself to generate the sightmark 28. An opto-electronic display element is preferably used for thedisplay element 25, which enables individual activation of pixelsgenerating an individual image. This offers a simple way of calibratingthe sight mark 28. Using the opto-electronic display element 25 alsomeans that the shape of the sight mark 28 can be freely selected. Forexample, the observer could be provided with a display via anappropriate input device and the device electronics cause a desiredsight mark 28 to be selected from a co-operating memory using software.Using the display element 25 to generate the sight mark 28 has aparticular advantage in that it reduces the number of components neededto produce the observation device 1.

The sight mark 28 can be produced via an optical element and a lightsource, for example an appropriately designed screen, and placed in thevisual optical path of the observation parts 3, 4.

The display device and the device for displaying the sight mark may beprovided in the form of appropriate opto-electronic components, inparticular LED, LCD displays or similar.

In another embodiment, the laser transmitter 14 and the receiver 21 withtheir optical paths 16, 20 are disposed in the first observation part 3,whereas the display element 25 and the sight mark 28 with their opticalpaths 27, 29 are integrated in the second observation part 4. Asexplained above, the display element 25 and sight mark 28 may beprovided as a common display element 25.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view on a larger scale showing a detail of thefirst observation part 3 illustrated in FIG. 1. Starting from the lasertransmitter 14, the laser light is directed via the optical path 16 ofthe laser transmitter 14 through the transmitting optics 15, thedeviation prism 17 and splitter prism 18 on the face 19 into thelens-side part of the first visual optical path 11. Towards the receiver21, the reflected laser beams on the face 19 are directed out of thedeviation prism 10 of the reversing system 8 and pass through thesplitter prism 18 into the receiver prism 23, where they are finallydeflected to the receiver 21. The optical path 29 of the sight mark 28leads from the sight mark 28 via the sight mark optics 30 through thesplitter prism 18 into the deviation prism 10 in such a way or in suchan orientation that the optical path 29 of the sight mark 28 istransferred to the ocular-side part of the first visual optical path 11.

A beam splitter 31 is disposed between the splitter prism 18 and thereceiver prism 23, which causes a split between the optical path 16 ofthe laser transmitter 14 and the optical path 20 of the laser receiver21, as illustrated more clearly in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows a section through the transmitting optical system 13 andreceiving optical system 22 illustrated in FIG. 1. It illustrates thedifferent paths of the optical path 16 of the laser transmitter 14 andthe optical path 20 of the laser receiver 21 split at the beam splitter31. In the case of this example of an embodiment, the beam splitter 31is provided in the form of a mirror 32 disposed in a boundary regionbetween the splitter prism 18 and receiver prism 23. The mirror 32extends across only a part-region of the surface of the optical path 20of the laser receiver 21 passing through the beam splitter 31 or throughthe boundary surface between the splitter prism 18 and receiver prism23. A split therefore takes place at the splitter 31 between the twooptical paths 16 and 20 in accordance with the different spatial angularregions of the beam bundle passing along the optical paths 16 and 20 andthe beam splitter 31. In a preferred embodiment, the mirror 32 isprovided in the form of an elliptical surface. The laser light emittedby the laser transmitter 14 has a small opening angle relative to thelaser light beam bundle reflected by the object. Accordingly, onlyslight shadowing of the laser light reflected by the remote object takesplace at the mirror 32.

As proposed by the invention, the receiver prism 23 and the deviationprism 17 are secured to the splitter prism 18, for example by means ofcement. The splitter prism 18, on the other hand, is fixedly connectedto the deviation prism 10 of the reversing system 8 of the visualoptical path 11. The splitter prism 18, deviation prism 17, receiverprism 23 and deviation prism 10 therefore constitute a monolithicallyfixedly connected unit. The advantage of this is that a correspondinglysmaller number of retaining means are needed to fit the prism system inthe observation part 3. The effort involved in adjusting the spatialposition of the co-operating prisms with respect to one another is alsosignificantly reduced. This being the case, functional errors due tofaulty adjustment are also much less likely.

FIG. 4 illustrates an image of the visual field which can be observedthrough the ocular 6 with the image of the sight mark 28. The region ofthe optical path 16 of the laser transmitter 14 is indicated by brokenlines. The optical path 20 of the receiver 21 is also indicated bybroken lines. The diagram illustrated in FIG. 4 on the one handcorresponds to the region in the object plane which is illuminated bythe laser transmitter 14 or the optical path 16 of the laser transmitter14 on the object. This is simultaneously an image of the lasertransmitter 14 focused in the object plane. On the other hand, theregion indicated by broken lines corresponds to the optical path 20 ofthe receiver 21 in an image of the receiver 21 focused in the objectplane. Accordingly, only the part of the optical path 20 of the receiverdisposed in the intersecting region is available to the receiver 21 fordetecting reflected laser light. By adjusting the receiving opticalsystem 22 accordingly, the regions of the optical path 20 of thereceiver 21 indicated in FIG. 4 can be centrally oriented with theregion of the optical path 16 of the laser transmitter 14. Bypreference, these two regions are moved so that they overlap so that themaximum of the reflected laser radiation hits the receiver 21. In thisrespect, it should also be pointed out that the indicated regions 16, 20are generally not visible to the human eye because the laser light usedis selected so that it is in a frequency range which lies outside thevisible range. This being the case, infrared laser diodes are used forthe laser transmitter 14, for example.

In one embodiment in which the optical path 16 of the laser transmitter14 is disposed in one of the two visual optical paths 11 or 12 in one ofthe observation parts 3, 4 and the optical path 20 of the receiver 21 isdisposed in the other of the two visual optical paths 12 or 11, anadjusting mechanism is provided, by means of which the course of theoptical paths 16 and 20 can be shifted to the degree that they overlapto the highest possible extent on the remote object. As a result, evenin the case of an observation device 1 of the type illustrated in FIG. 1when the two observation parts 3, 4 can be pivoted relative to oneanother about a central joint axis, a perfect distance measurement canbe guaranteed. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for theoptical path 20 of the receiver 21 to have a bigger opening angle thanthe optical path 16 of the laser transmitter 14 so that a biggestpossible proportion of the radiation emitted by the laser transmitter 14is detected by the receiver 21, even if there are variances in thespatial position of the two visual optical paths 11 or 12 in the eventof different adjustments of the eye distance. By increasing the openingangle of the optical path 20 of the receiver 21 accordingly, allowancecan also be made for a relative movement of the optical paths 16, 20caused by a spatial displacement of the two observation parts 3, 4relative to one another about a central link axis in order to adjust theeye distance, so that as big as possible a proportion of the radiationemitted by the laser transmitter 14 is still detected by the receiver.Such variances might be caused by a non-parallel orientation of the twovisual optical paths 11, 12 relative to the orientation of the jointaxis.

The advantage of the embodiment in which the laser transmitter 14 withits optical path 16 is disposed in one of the two observation parts 3, 4and the receiver 21 with its optical path 20 is disposed in the otherobservation part 4, 3 is that the entire region or opening angle of thetwo visual optical paths 11, 12 is available without obstruction for useof the laser energy to measure the distance, thereby resulting in a highefficiency of the laser distance measurement. In the case of theembodiment described above, the display element 25 and/or the sight mark28 may be disposed in one of the two observation parts 3, 4 oralternatively may be separated and disposed one each in one of theobservation parts 3 or 4 or also in both observation parts 3, 4, andpreferably can be activated individually.

In view of the fact that safety regulations governing visual observationdevices 1 permit only a limited maximum value for the radiation powerwhich may come into contact with the human eye during observation, thelaser power used with the observation device 1 proposed by the inventionis also adapted or optimized depending on the measured distance of theobserved object. This is possible because the image of the lasertransmitter 14 is also focused on the remote object.

On the basis of a preferred method of observing and measuring thedistance of a remote object, the observation device 1 is firstly pointedtowards the object so that it sights it. Sighting of the object isassisted by projecting in the sight mark 28. The sight mark 28 can beprojected in by operating a switch, for example, and is preferablyautomatically switched off once the measuring operation carried out bythe control and evaluation unit 24 starts. The preferably manuallyinitiated measuring operation takes place whilst the observation device1 is held sighted on the object. On the basis of the time delaymeasurements of the laser pulses taken during the measuring operation,the control and evaluation unit 24 then calculates a value for thedistance of the remote object, which is then displayed with the aid ofthe display element 25 in the visual field of the second observationpart 4.

In the case of another variant of the method, the initially calculatedvalue is used as a basis for a focus setting by adjusting the focusingdevice 7. This adjustment preferably takes place automatically, in whichcase a displacement motor used to displace the focusing lens used as thefocusing device 24 is operated by the control and evaluation unit 24.

Alternatively, the focus setting of the visual optical path 11, 12 mayalso be carried out semi-automatically. The focus setting can also bespeeded up by applying a rough setting first of all. To this end, it maybe that a sensor determines the current value of the setting of thefocusing device 7 and displays this value corresponding to the distancevalue together with the value for the distance determined by the laserdistance measurement on the display element 25. The user of theobservation device 1 therefore has the option of varying the visualoptical paths 11, 12 by adjusting the focusing device 7 until thedistance value corresponding to the focusing device 7 is the same as thevalue measured by the laser distance meter and displayed.

In order to adjust the focusing device 7 semi-automatically, both withrespect to the visual optical path and the optical path of themeasurement signal and reflected measurement signal or optical path 16of the transmitter 14 or optical path 20 of the receiver 21, theadjustment direction of the operating device for adjusting the focusingdevice 7 can be displayed by means of a separate display device which isalso provided by the display device 25 for the distance meter, forexample by means of arrows which may also of a different lengthdepending on the size of the adjustment. Instead of arrows, it wouldnaturally also be possible to use other graphic symbols or optical oracoustic signals.

In another embodiment of the method for observing and measuring thedistance, the method steps of initiating a measuring operation,calculating a value for the distance of the remote object and settingthe focus of the focusing device 7 on the basis of it may be run oneafter the other repeatedly rather than just once. This will result ingreater accuracy of the value for the distance and better focusing. Bycontinuously repeating these measuring, evaluation and focusing steps,it is also possible for an object moving away or moving closer to beautomatically focused, making the focus setting very convenient for theobserver. The advantage of both of the methods proposed by theinvention, namely both semi-automatic and automatic focusing, is thateven at dusk or more generally in unfavorable light conditions, aconvenient and reliable focus setting can take place. The observationdevice 1 proposed by the invention and the described methods based onautomatic and semi-automatic focusing therefore offer particularadvantages over conventional automatic focusing systems. Theseadvantages apply to both the binocular observation device proposed bythe invention and also to a magnifier device comprising only oneobservation part 3, 4, e.g. terrestrial telescopes of sightingtelescopes.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a laser distance meter 2 with severalmeasurement ranges or optical paths 16 of the laser transmitter 14. In acorresponding embodiment of the laser distance meter, several lasertransmitters 14 may be provided, for example. Depending on theirrelative disposition with respect to one another, several receivingregions or several receivers 21 may be provided in the place where thelaser receiver 21 is mounted. Based on such an arrangement with severaloptical paths 16 of the laser transmitter 14, it is possible, inaddition to the distance of a central object, to measure simultaneouslyalso the values of distances of other objects in the target areadisposed next to the central object and show these on a display. With anobservation device 1 positioned in a fixed direction, it is thereforealso possible to run a method of measuring the movement or speed of anobject moving in the target area. If an object in the target area movesacross two or more of the regions of optical paths 16 indicated in FIG.5, this will be linked to sudden changes in the respective values forthe distance recorded by the control unit 24. On the basis of therecorded distance values and also the time sequence of the suddenchanges in the distance values, conclusions can be drawn about themovement and about the speed of movement of an object in the target areausing the respective angular distances of the measurement ranges.

On the basis of an alternative embodiment corresponding to theobservation device 1 illustrated in FIG. 5 with several optical paths 16of the laser transmitter, several laser transmitters 14 are not providedand instead, the image of the one laser transmitter 14 is deflected intodifferent spatial angular regions in a time sequence with the aid of aco-operating optical component. This being the case, the severalobservation ranges indicated in FIG. 5 are scanned consecutively intime.

On the basis of another embodiment of the method for observing andmeasuring a distance, an optical component is provided in the lasertransmitter 14 in order to continuously change the direction of theoptical path 16 of the laser transmitter 14. This enables continuouslinear scanning of the spatial angular region of the visual field of theobservation device 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of an embodiment of a binocularobservation device 1 with a magnifier device comprising the lens 5 andocular 6. The optical path 11, which is illustrated in a simplifiedmanner by only its main beam, is deflected in terms of its course bymeans of a reversing system 8, as was the case with the embodimentdescribed in connection with FIG. 1, but the design of the reversingsystems 8 corresponds to a different type of prism system from thatillustrated in FIG. 1. Starting from the lens 5, the sequence is namely,firstly the deviation prism 10 followed by the roof prism 9, and the twoprisms 9, 10 are disposed on a gable surface 33 of the roof prism 9 andare cemented to one another or lie adjoining one another. The gablesurface 33 lying against the deviation prism 10 is provided with abeam-splitting coating. It preferably transmits for the spectral of theobservation beams and reflects for the spectral range of the light usedby the display element 25. Accordingly, the optical path 16 of the lasertransmitter 14, having passed through the beam splitter 31 and havingbeen reflected on the beam-splitting coating 33 and having beenreflected 3 times in the deviation prism 17, extends parallel with thefirst visual optical path 11. Laser light reflected from a remote objectfollows the reverse path and after being reflected on the beam-splittingcoating in the gable surface 33 is deflected by the beam splitter 31onto the receiver 21. In the case of the observation device 1 based onthis embodiment, therefore, both a part of the optical path 16 of thelaser transmitter 14 and a part of the optical path 20 of the receiver21 are integrated in the first visual optical path 11. The merger of theoptical path 16 and the beam path 20 of the laser transmitter 14 andreceiver 21 in the first visual optical path 11 is disposed on the gablesurface 33.

In the embodiment illustrated as an example, the display element 25 isprojected into the ocular-end part of the second visual optical path 12in the second observation part 4, whereas the optical paths 16, 20 areintegrated in the first observation part 3. Alternatively, however, itis also possible to integrate the optical path 27 of the display element25 in the first observation part 3.

In an alternative embodiment of the observation device 1 illustrated inFIG. 6, the region of the merger could also be disposed between theoptical paths 16, 20 and the first visual optical path 11, in otherwords in the face 34 of the deviation prism 10 adjoining the gablesurface 33. To this end, the face 34 is provided with a beam-splittingcoating.

FIG. 7 illustrates an observation device 1 with a laser distance meter2, in which an arrangement separate from the visual optical paths 11, 12is provided for the optical path 16 of the laser transmitter 14 so thata third optical path is provided.

In order to set the focus, a focusing device 7 in the form of a focusinglens is provided respectively in the first and second visual opticalpath 11, 12. Disposed in the optical path 16 of the laser transmitter14, before the laser transmitter 14 at the object end, is a transmitterfocusing device 35. By adjusting the transmitter focusing device 35, thefocus can be set for the image of the laser transmitter 14 in the objectplane of a remote object. As proposed by the invention, the transmitterfocusing device 35 in this observation device 1 is coupled with thefocusing device 7 of the two visual optical paths 11, 12 so that at thesame time as the images of the visual optical paths 11, 12 are focused,the image of the laser transmitter 14 can also be focused.

A method corresponding to one of the methods described above forobserving and measuring a distance can be used with observation devices1 based on the examples of embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7,thereby enabling automatic or semi-automatic focusing in particular.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the observation device 1 illustrated inFIG. 1. As illustrated, the observation parts 3, 4 have an approximatelytubular main shape. In a bottom region of the observation part 3, 4, ithas a keel-shaped housing extension 36. Disposed in an adjoining regionof the observation part 3, 4 facing the ocular 6 is a thumb recess 37.The housing extension 36 forms an internal housing region for the deviceelectronics, in particular for the control and evaluation unit 24. Theexternal shape of the housing extension 36 and thumb recess 37 make fora particularly good ergonomic design and grip design, so that theobservation device 1 can be comfortably held in the palms of the hand.Another advantage of this shape is that it results in an improvedlevering effect in that it makes it easier to pivot the two observationparts 3, 4 of the observation device 1. It is also practical for the eyewidth adjustment in the case of a linear displacement of the observationparts 3, 4 with respect to one another.

FIG. 9 illustrates an observation device 1 with an alternativeembodiment of the eye width adjustment system for the two observationparts 3, 4. To this end, at least one telescopic-type connection isprovided between the observation parts 3, 4 which enables a lineardisplacement of the observation parts 3, 4 with respect to one anotherin a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extensions of the twoobservation parts 3, 4. In order to make it easier to adjust the eyewidth, a positioning wheel (not illustrated) may also be provided inorder to operate a positioning gear determining the eye width.

On the basis of another embodiment of the observation device 1illustrated in FIG. 9, the observation parts 3 and 4 constitute amodular observation device 1. Accordingly, the first observation part 3can be separated or uncoupled from the second observation part 4 so thatthe observation part 3 can be used as an independent magnifier device,in which case the display element 25 is also integrated in it. The firstobservation part 3 may be fitted on a stand, for example, and can serveas a laser distance meter separately.

Another possible alternative application of the modular observationdevices illustrated in FIG. 9 is illustrated in FIG. 10. In thisinstance, the observation part 3 is illustrated as a sighting telescopeof a weapon 38. Having been separated from the second observation part 4(FIG. 9), the first observation part 3 is fitted on an appropriatelydesigned mounting support 39 and is thus fixedly connected to the weapon38. The user now has the option of setting up the output on the displayelement 25 in which the function of the sight mark 28 is also integratedvia the software-controlled device electronics to suit his requirements.For example, the user can set the horizontal orientation of the distancedisplay in the visual field and can view and choose a sight mark 28 froma predefined number to carry on using the observation part 3 as asighting telescope.

In the description given above, reference has always been made to alaser distance meter 2 or a laser transmitter 14 by way of example, bymeans of which the distance between the observation device 1 and anobject 40 can be determined and monitored. A person skilled in the artwill know that the invention is not restricted to the use of lasers andthat other appropriate irradiation sources may also be used in theobservation device 1 or in the described magnifier device.

Furthermore, it is also possible to transmit via remote transmissionmeans 41, in particular via wireless remote transmission means 41, forexample by radio or infrared, the measured distance and other data, suchas the selected focus setting and/or a magnification factor and/orbrightness or temperature values, from different parts of theobservation device 1 or separate display and/or evaluation devices.However, it may also be expedient to store these in the observationdevice 1 or link them to one another and store them for differentevaluations, in which case they can be displayed when prompted on adisplay device 42 mounted on the external face of the observation device1.

It would also be possible to transmit this data via these transmissionmeans to an external display element, which is advantageously alsoindependent of or disposed separately from the observation device 1.Above all, this data can be expediently transmitted to a sightingtelescope of a weapon or other systems for monitoring and controllingdevices which require such information pertaining to distance. Anotheroption is to provide the display and/or evaluation devices with remotetransmission means 41 or separate cables from the control and evaluationunit 24 as well as the displacement motor 43 for the focusing device 7and also for a synchronously activated transmitter focusing system 35.

As proposed by the invention, the binocular observation device has twoseparate joint pins 44, between which a gap 45 is left free, which islaterally bounded by the observation parts 3, 4. Such a binocularobservation device 1, in particular a field glass, has two visualoptical paths 11, 12 with a distance meter using a measuring beam with abeam transmitter and a beam receiver. A part of an optical path 16, 20of the beam transmitter or the beam receiver is therefore integrated inat least one optical path 11, 12. The two observation parts 3, 4 areconnected to one another via two connecting mechanisms 46, e.g. a hingedbridge or telescopic guide, in the direction of the optical path 11,12,spaced at a distance apart from one another along the observationdirection so that they can be moved in terms of their relative position.It is of advantage if the beam transmitter and the beam receiver as wellas the optical elements of the optical paths 11, 12, 16, 20 for themeasuring beam and reflected measuring beam and/or display elements orsight marks as well as the components of the control and monitoringdevice 24 and power supply system are disposed outside of the gapbounded by the two observation parts between the two connectingmechanisms and the mutually facing end faces thereof.

The embodiments illustrated as examples represent possible variants ofthe binocular observation device 1 and magnifier device, and it shouldbe pointed out at this stage that the invention is not specificallylimited to the variants specifically illustrated, and instead theindividual variants may be used in different combinations with oneanother and these possible variations lie within the reach of the personskilled in this technical field given the disclosed technical teaching.Accordingly, all conceivable variants which can be obtained by combiningindividual details of the variants described and illustrated arepossible and fall within the scope of the invention.

For the sake of good order, finally, it should be pointed out that, inorder to provide a clearer understanding of the structure of thebinocular observation device 1 and magnifier device, they and theirconstituent parts are illustrated to a certain extent out of scaleand/or on an enlarged scale and/or on a reduced scale.

The objective underlying the independent inventive solutions may befound in the description.

Above all, the individual embodiments of the subject matter illustratedin FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; 6; 7; 8; 9 and 10 constitute independentsolutions proposed by the invention in their own right. The objectivesand associated solutions proposed by the invention may be found in thedetailed descriptions of these drawings.

List of reference numbers 1 Observation device 2 Laser distance meter 3First observation part 4 Second observation part 5 Lens 6 Ocular 7Focusing device 8 Reversing system 9 Roof prism 10 Deviation prism 11First visual optical path 12 Second visual optical path 13 Transmittingoptical system 14 Laser transmitter 15 Transmitting optics 16 Opticalpath 17 Deviation prism 18 Splitter prism 19 Face 20 Optical path 21Receiver 22 Receiving optical system 23 Receiver prism 24 Control andevaluation unit 25 Display element 26 Displays optics 27 Optical path 28Sight mark 29 Optical path 30 Sight mark optics 31 Beam splitter 32Mirror 33 Gable surface 34 Face 35 Transmitter focusing device 36Housing extension 37 Thumb recess 38 Weapon 39 Mounting support 40Object 41 Remote transmission means 42 Display device 43 Displacementmotor 44 Joint pin 45 Gap 46 Connecting element

1. Magnifier device with a visual optical path (11; 12) and with a laserdistance meter (2) with a laser transmitter (14) and a laser receiver(21), and a part of an optical path (16) of the laser transmitter (14)and a part of an optical path (20) of the laser receiver (21) extend inthe visual optical path (11; 12), and regions of the deflection aredisposed on at least one optical component, and with an opto-electronicdisplay element (25), characterized in that the regions of thedeflection are located on a single optical component.
 2. Magnifierdevice with a visual optical path (11; 12) and a focusing device (7) forfocusing at least the visual optical path (11; 12), and with a laserdistance meter (2) with a laser transmitter (14) and a laser receiver(21), and a part of an optical path (16) of the laser transmitter (14)and a part of an optical path (20) of the laser receiver (21) extend inthe visual optical path (11; 12) to the lens (5), and regions of thedeflection are disposed on at least one optical component, and with anoptical display element (25) in particular according to claim 1,characterized in that the focusing device (7) for focusing the opticalpath (16) of the laser transmitter (14) and the visual optical path (11;12) is disposed between the optical component for deflecting the opticalpath (16) of the laser transmitter (14) and the lens (5).
 3. Binocularobservation device (1), in particular a field glass, with two visualoptical paths (11; 12), and with a laser distance meter (2) with a lasertransmitter (14) and a laser receiver (21), and a part of an opticalpath (16) of the laser transmitter (14) is integrated in a first visualoptical path (11; 12), and with an opto-electronic display element (25)in particular according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a part ofan optical path (20) of the laser receiver (21) is also integrated inthe first visual optical path (11; 12).
 4. Binocular observation device(1), in particular a field glass, with two visual optical paths (11; 12)and with a laser distance meter (2) with a laser transmitter (14) and alaser receiver (21), and a part of an optical path (16) of the lasertransmitter (14) is integrated in a first visual optical path (11; 12),and with an opto-electronic display element (25) in particular accordingto one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a part of an optical path(20) of the laser receiver (21) can also be focused with the focusingdevice (7) for the visual optical path (11; 12).
 5. Magnifier device, inparticular an observation device, according to one of claims 1 to 4,characterized in that in order to integrate the optical path (16) of thelaser transmitter (14) and the optical path (20) of the laser receiver(21) in the first visual optical path (11; 12), optical components areprovided so as to cause the merging of the optical paths (16, 20) of thelaser transmitter (14) and laser receiver (21).
 6. Magnifier device, inparticular an observation device, according to one of claims 2 to 5,characterized in that regions of the merger of the optical paths (16,20) of the laser transmitter (14) and/or of the laser receiver (21) aredisposed on a single optical component.
 7. Magnifier device, inparticular an observation device, according to one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that the regions of the merger of the opticalpath (16, 20) of the laser transmitter (14) and/or of the laser receiver(21) are disposed on a single face (19) of the one optical component,for example a roof prism (10).
 8. Magnifier device, in particular anobservation device, according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized inthat the region of the merger is disposed between an observer-side focalpoint of the lens (5) and the focusing device (7) or lens (5). 9.Magnifier device, in particular an observation device, according to oneof claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least a part of an opticalpath (27) of the display optics (26) or display element (25) isintegrated in one of the two visual optical paths (11; 12). 10.Magnifier device, in particular an observation device, according to oneof the preceding claims, characterized in that a control and evaluationdevice (24) with at least one display element (25) for displaying asight mark (28) and/or a measurement value of the laser distance meter(2) is connected into at least one of the two visual optical paths (11;12).
 11. Magnifier device, in particular an observation device,according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a remotetransmission means is provided, in particular to run a wirelesstransmission to a display element (25) and/or the control and evaluationdevice (24) of a distance measured by the laser distance meter (2)and/or at least one item of data, such as a value of the focus setting,a magnification factor, a brightness or temperature value.
 12. Magnifierdevice, in particular an observation device, according to one of thepreceding claims, characterized in that another display element isdisposed on the external face of the observation device (1). 13.Magnifier device, in particular an observation device, according to oneof the preceding claims, characterized in that the control andevaluation device (24) is wirelessly connected via remote transmissionmeans to an independent display element external to the observationdevice (1).
 14. Magnifier device, in particular an observation device,according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that thedisplay element (25) is provided in the form of opto-electricalcomponents, in particular LED or LCD displays with individual activationof individual image-generating pixels.
 15. Magnifier device, inparticular an observation device, according to one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that a displacement motor is connected to thefocusing device (7).
 16. Magnifier device, in particular an observationdevice, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe control and evaluation unit (24) is connected to the displacementmotor.
 17. Magnifier device, in particular an observation device,according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the twoobservation parts (3; 4) are connected via two connecting mechanismsspaced apart from one another in the direction of the optical paths(16), e.g. hinged bridges or a telescopic guide, so that they can bedisplaced in terms of their relative position.
 18. Magnifier device, inparticular an observation device, according to one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that the two observation parts (3, 4) areconnected via two connecting mechanisms with two separate joint pinsspaced apart from one another in the direction of the optical paths (11;12) along the observation direction so that they can be displacedrelative to one another, between which a gap is left free which islaterally bounded by the observation parts (3, 4).
 19. Magnifier device,in particular an observation device, according to one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that the connecting element is connected at itstwo end regions facing the two observation parts (3, 4) via a joint toeach of the two observation parts (3, 4), the pivot axis of whichextends approximately parallel with the longitudinal axes of the twoobservation parts (3; 4).
 20. Magnifier device, in particular anobservation device, according to one of the preceding claims,characterized in that one or more hinged bridges is provided as theconnecting element.
 21. Magnifier device, in particular an observationdevice, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thata keel-shaped housing extension (36) is disposed on at least one of theobservation parts (3; 4).
 22. Magnifier device, in particular anobservation device, according to one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the housing extension (36) comprises an internalhousing region for the device electronics, in particular for the controland evaluation unit (24).
 23. Magnifier device, in particular anobservation device, according to one of the preceding claims,characterized in that one observation part (3; 4) is designed as anindependent magnifier device.
 24. Magnifier device, in particular anobservation device, according to one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the optical component or components for deflectingthe optical path (16, 20) of the laser transmitter (14) and/or of thelaser receiver (21) is or are provided as elements of a reversing system(8).
 25. Magnifier device, in particular an observation device,according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that theregions of the deflections are disposed on one and the same componentprovided in the form of a roof prism (9).
 26. Magnifier device, inparticular an observation device, according to one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that the reversing system (8) is provided inthe form of a prism system.
 27. Binocular observation device (1), inparticular a field glass, with two visual optical paths (11; 12) andwith a laser distance meter (2) with a laser transmitter (14) and alaser receiver (21), and a part of an optical path (16, 20) of the lasertransmitter (14) or of the laser receiver (21) is integrated in a firstvisual optical path (11; 12), and the optical path (16, 20) of the laserreceiver (11) or of the laser transmitter (14) serves as a third opticalpath, and with an opto-electronic display element (25), characterized inthat the third optical path has a focusing device which is coupled sothat it co-operates with a focusing device (7) of the two visual opticalpaths (11; 12) for focusing on a remote object.
 28. Binocularobservation device (1), in particular a field glass, with two visualoptical paths (11; 12) and with a laser distance meter (2) with a lasertransmitter (14) and a laser receiver (21), and the optical path (16;20) of the laser receiver (21) or of the laser transmitter (14) servesas a third optical path, and with an opto-electronic display element(25), characterized in that the third optical path has a transmitterfocusing device (35) which is coupled with a focusing device (7) of thetwo visual optical paths (11, 12) for simultaneously focusing theoptical paths (11, 12) and that of the laser transmitter (14), and apart of an optical path (16, 20) of the laser transmitter (14) or of thelaser receiver (20) is integrated in one of the visual optical paths(11; 12).
 29. Magnifier device with a visual optical path (11; 12) andwith a laser distance meter (2) with a laser transmitter (14) and alaser receiver (21), and a part of an optical path (16) of the lasertransmitter (14) and a part of an optical path (20) of the laserreceiver (20) extend in the visual optical path (11; 12), and regions ofthe deflection are disposed on optical components, and with anopto-electronic display element (25), in particular according to one ofclaims 1 to 28, characterized in that the regions of the deflection aredisposed on a single component.
 30. Method of observing and measuringthe distance of a remote object (49) with a magnifier device with avisual optical path (11; 12) and with a laser distance meter with alaser transmitter (14) and a laser receiver (21), characterized in thata) the object is sighted by means of the visual optical path (11; 12) b)and the measuring operation is initiated by a laser pulse emitted fromthe laser transmitter (14) and a time delay is determined, c) afterwhich a value for the distance to the remote object is calculated anddisplayed by a control and evaluation device (24) d) and a focus settingis applied on the basis of the distance by displacing a focusing device(7).
 31. Method of observing and measuring the distance of a remoteobject with a magnifier device with two visual optical paths (11; 12)and with a laser distance meter (2) with a laser optical path extendingbetween a laser transmitter (14) and a laser receiver (21),characterized in that a) the object is sighted by means of the visualoptical paths (11; 12) b) the measuring operation is initiated by alaser pulse emitted by the laser transmitter (14) across the laser beampath integrated at least partially in the visual optical path (11; 12)and a time delay is determined, c) after which a value of the distanceto the remote object is calculated and displayed by a control andevaluation device (24) d) and the two visual optical paths (11; 12) andthe laser beam path (16; 20) are focused on the basis of the value forthe distance by a displacement by means of the focusing device (7). 32.Method according to claims 29 to 31, characterized in that the focus isset semi-automatically.
 33. Method according to claims 29 to 31,characterized in that the focus is set automatically.
 34. Methodaccording to one of claims 29 to 33, characterized in that once theobject has been sighted, a rough manual adjustment is made to the focussetting.
 35. Method according to one of claims 29 to 33, characterizedin that the method steps of initiating a measuring operation,calculating a value for the distance of the remote object and settingthe focus of the focusing device on the basis thereof are repeated oneafter the other.
 36. Method according to claim 35, characterized in thatthe method steps are continuously repeated in order to observe a movedobject.
 37. Method according to one of claims 29 to 36, characterized inthat the laser power of the laser transmitter (14) is adapted and/oroptimized by means of the control and evaluation unit (24) as a functionof the measured distance between the laser transmitter (14) and theobject.